Tuqiri commits to union
Lote Tuqiri has signed a new five-year contract to play for the Waratahs.
Lote Tuqiri has committed his future to rugby union by signing a new five-year deal with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU).Tuqiri spurned offers from Gold Coast Titans and South Sydney Rabbitohs to return to rugby league and will remain with Super 14 side New South Wales Waratahs.
The 27-year-old accepted the ARU's offer just hours before a Monday deadline to the delight of chief executive Gary Flowers.
"I am pleased Lote has reached his decision," said Flowers.
"It has been almost five months of uncertainty and speculation and for the sake of both Lote and Australian rugby, it is a good thing a deal has finally been reached.
"Now we can all concentrate on the rugby World Cup in France."
Tuqiri enjoyed a successful spell in league with Brisbane Broncos before switching codes to play for the Waratahs in 2002.
The winger is a dual code international having represented both his native Fiji and the Kangaroos during his league career.
Since crossing to the 15-man game he has earned 50 caps for the Wallabies and was part of the team that lost to England in the 2003 World Cup final.
